BLOOMINGTON — The Indiana University Police Department is investigating multiple reported thefts of electric bicycles and electric scooters at several campus locations within the last week, according to an IU Bloomington Crime Notice.
On Sept. 15 and Sept. 22, an e-bike was stolen from the Foster Jenkinson bike rack, where a cable lock securing the e-bike was cut.
On Sept. 18, an e-bike was stolen from the bike rack outside Woodburn Hall.
On Sept. 24, an e-scooter was stolen outside Memorial Stadium near the Tobias Nutrition Center.
On Sept. 23 and 24, an e-scooter was stolen from the southwest bike rack outside Forest Quad. It had been secured with a lock, but police said the suspect was able to slide the e-scooter out.
Police only provided suspect information about the scooter theft at Memorial Stadium. Officers reported seeing three white males approach the e-scooter and leave with it, but were unable to locate the suspects.
According to the crime notice, there have been several other reported e-bike and scooter thefts since the start of the year that were not included in the notice.
Anyone with information on the reported e-bike/scooter thefts or any crime is asked to call IUPD at (812) 855-4111.
HOW TO PREVENT THEFT
IU Police provided several tips to help limit scooter and bike thefts on campus:
- Record the make, model, and serial number of your electric bicycle or scooter and store it in a safe place.
- Lock your electric bicycle or scooter using at least one U style lock.
- Lock both wheels and frame to the bike rack and remove seat.
- Lock your electric bicycle or scooter in a well-lit area on a bicycle rack.
- Report suspicious persons hanging around bicycle racks to the police.